A Tooting war hero will be honoured for his services in the war after a campaign raised £500 for a plaque in just two weeks.

The Quid For Sid campaign, launched by historian Geoff Simmons, aimed to commemorate Sidney Lewis, the youngest soldier to serve in the British Army in the First World War.

Sidney was just 12-years-old when he joined and fought in the Battle of The Somme the following year.

The plaque will be unveiled by his 83-year-old son Colin, on Garratt Lane, near Tooting Broadway Station, in a ceremony in September, a hundred years after Sidney returned home from the war.

Mr Simmons said: "I know it is going to be such a nice thing for the community, especially young people. They have been very interested.

"I think it makes people look at their lives and think what it would be like to be Sidney, fighting in one of the most horrible battles in history."

Wandsworth Times:

Sadiq Khan has also shown his support for the campaign and will participate in the unveiling ceremony.

He said: "The plaque will inspire young and old. It is testimony to the generosity of the people of Tooting that the money needed was raised in just two weeks.

"In recognising one of our own – Sidney Lewis – we will also remember the thousands of other men and women from Tooting and further afield who, 100 years ago, fought, gave their lives, lost loved ones or kept the home fires burning."